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“As a metaphor for a rough battle or mob scene in any other arena, scrum seems vivid — the first time,” writes New York Times standards editor Philip Corbett. “Maybe the second. Less so the 10th or 20th time we use it that way.” Philip Corbett: Words we love too much (NYTimes.com) Earlier: … Read Moreread more

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New York Times
Timesmen James Robinson and Jeremy Safran have once again compiled a list of the words readers look up most often with the dictionary function on NYTimes.com. Times standards editor Philip Corbett notes that it includ... Read Post

New York Times
"I don't suggest banning any of them -- in some cases they may be the perfect choice, and we refuse to talk down to readers or dumb down our prose," writes Times standards editor Philip B. Corbett. "Still, we should r... Read Post

“‘Reeling’ was once a vivid word, but it has been cheapened by overuse,” writes New York Times standards editor Philip Corbett. It’s the same with “slated.” “Try something conversational — perhaps scheduled, set or planned,” he sugg... Read Post